Control panel module assembly devices and techniques

ABSTRACT

Systems, apparatus, methods, and techniques of assembly of discrete modules of a control panel are disclosed. The modules can be independently wired, tested, and installed into a control panel. Module definitions are defined specifying components to perform the electrical function, a mechanical arrangement of the components, electrical connections, and logical interactions of the module. A bill of materials can be generated based on a designation of a set of modules for a control panel and the module definitions. Modularly assembled control panels are disclosed. An assembly frame is described herein for temporarily mounting components of a module for independent assembly of a control module and for eventual removal and installation into a control panel frame. The assembly frame may include a faceplate frame and side frames and temporary mounting features.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §§ 120 and 121 as adivisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/185,922filed on 25 Feb. 2021 naming Julian M. Alzate, Cameron Soller, BryanGentry and Kyle Hildenbrand as inventors and titled “Control PanelModule Assembly Devices and Techniques”; which application claimspriority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/981,627, titled Control Panel Assembly Devices and Methods, filedFeb. 26, 2020, the entirety of which is incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to assembly of control panels. Moreparticularly, this disclosure relates to assembly of discrete modules ofa control panel that can be independently wired, tested, and installedinto a control panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a control panel frame, according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of a module of a control panel,according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, illustratingcomponents of the module.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method of assembling a control panel,according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method of defining a module of a controlpanel, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a back view of an assembly station, according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure, having an assembly frame in areclined position.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of an assembly station, according toone embodiment of the present disclosure, having an assembly frame in anupright position.

FIG. 7 is a back top view of an assembly station, according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure, having one side frame in an openposition and one side frame in a narrow position.

FIG. 8 is a back top view of an assembly station, according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure, having both side frames in anarrow position.

FIG. 9 is a back view of an assembly station, according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure, having the assembly frame in areclined position and both side frames in an open position andcomponents of a module mounted thereto during module assembly.

FIG. 10 is a side view of an assembly station, according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure, having the assembly frame in anupright position and both side frames in a narrow position andcomponents of a module mounted thereto during module assembly.

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of an assembly frame, according toone embodiment of the present disclosure, with various componentstemporarily mounted thereon.

FIG. 12 is a perspective rear view of an assembly station, according toone embodiment of the present disclosure, and illustrates a technicianwiring various components of a module that are temporarily mounted onthe assembly frame.

FIG. 13 is a rear elevation view of a back of a module installed into acontrol panel, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a rear elevation view of a control panel with severalmodules, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a front elevation view of a control panel, according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a diagram of a control panel assembly system, according toone embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a diagram of a computing system of a control panel assemblysystem, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Control panels are used in utility, industrial, and militaryinstallations to house various control, automation, metering, andprotection components that pertain to operation of an electrical powersystem. A key function of control panels often is to present thesecomponents for use by personnel. The various components may be housedsuch that interfaceable portions are visible and readily available to beviewed and used by personnel. The control panel components are oftenarranged and wired together (and to other hardware or other controlpanels) according to an application of a site. Such wiring may be housedwithin the control panel, and often behind the face of the panel, andnot seen or directly accessible by personnel.

Often the application of a control panel can be particular and/or uniqueto the site, such that there is high variability in design and use ofcontrol panels. Every site participating in operation of an electricalsystem is a little bit different. The connection to the electrical powersystem may be unique for a variety of reasons, including other controlpanels already installed at the site, the era of construction of thesite and/or the adjacent portion of the electrical power system, theexisting hardware at the site, and/or the background, experience, and/orpreferences of the individuals to be acting as operators at the site.All these factors create highly variable needs, uses, and applications(e.g., collections of functions) to be addressed by control panels, andtherefore there is high variability in use and application of controlpanels, which has led to similarly high variability in the processes ofdesigning and assembling control panels.

For example, while some conventional panels used in some electricutilities measure around 2′×7′×3′, the size of panels within electricutilities can vary by around 50%, even in the same utility. In additionto size variability, the components that may be included in and housedin control panels can vary widely. For example, a control panel used byan electric utility may include one or more intelligent electronicdevices (IEDs) used for protection, control, automation, and/or meteringof electric power equipment, automation controllers, test contacts,human-machine interfaces (HMIs), industrial computers, accurate clocks,communication devices, pushbuttons, switches, status indicators,Deutsches Institut fur Normung (DIN) rails, terminal blocks, cablerouting, breakers, and the like.

The high degree of variability of control panels has resulted inpresently available processes, prior to the present disclosure, that areinefficient and defect prone. Presently available processes require longlead times for engineering and design before actual assembly of thecontrol panel can be performed. Control panels require electronic designand engineering that require specialized skills that can be a challengeto recruit in today's workforce. Prior to the present disclosure, everycustom (e.g., site-specific) control panel would require a custom designfrom a specialized, highly skilled team, requiring a higher skill levelof drafters, engineers, coders, and testers at every step of the design.Sufficiently skilled persons are not readily available to hire and, whenthey can be found, training these persons takes years.

The actual build time of control panels is also presently long becausethe high degree of variability of components is such that componentscannot be easily maintained on hand and generally must be procured afterinitial engineering and design of a control panel. The actual build timeof control panels is also presently long, partly caused by congestiondue to the physical constraints of a control panel frame that limit morethan one person at a time from working on assembly (e.g., wiring) of acontrol panel. These physical constraints affect the time required tomount, wire, and test a control panel.

To effectively handle the variability presented and presently required,control panel design and assembly requires a nimble, large, and highlyskilled workforce that adapts to customized/unique ordering,manufacturing, shipping/packaging, installation, testing, andmaintenance procedures, and delivery of a site-specific control panel.Even with a highly skilled and highly trained work force, it can takeseveral months to engineer and design and then to assemble a controlpanel, and the defect rate in control panels assembled through presentlyavailable processes has been too high.

Control panel design and assembly therefore introduces and involveschallenges related to cost control, quality control, time-intensiveengineering rework, re-wiring, and documentation tracking, inventorymanagement, and procurement of components.

The electrical power system industry would like to be able to design,engineer, produce, and otherwise have more readily available the typesof control panels that pertain to operation of electrical power systems.Lower lead times for ordering and installing new control panels wouldenhance the industry. As in any assembly situation, there is interest tocreate repeatable and predictable processes that can drive up qualityand drive down defects.

The uniqueness of each control panel site and application need at thatsite, and therefore the uniqueness and variability of eachimplementation of a control panel, presents significant challenges todeveloping more efficient, repeatable, lower-error rate assemblysolutions. The uniqueness and variability have also perpetuated otherpresent challenges to efficient and repeatable processes of designingand assembling control panels. The engineering time presently investedinto a control panel is generally insufficient to design a repeatable,low error rate solution. Control panel design documentation is typicallyinsufficiently mature to fully optimize all facets of the design.De-conflicting space congestion or mounting and wiring can beproblematic in control panels. Custom control panels are, in effect,considered in the industry to be always in a prototype-like stage.

Specifically, with respect to assembly of control panels, physicalparameters and constraints present significant limitations to theassembly process. Because the common dimensions of a panel may extendfrom ground level to around seven feet tall, the assembly process mayinclude installation of components and wiring well above head-level ofthe assembly personnel. This introduces several possible sources ofinjury and strain. Furthermore, because many components may be installedinto a single panel, multiple personnel may be needed to work in asingle panel to assemble and wire the several components. Thisintroduces physical strain, and increases the time necessary forassembly. Build times of panels may be long, partly caused by congestionof the physical constraint limiting more than one person at a time fromwiring in the panel. This affects the time required to mount, wire, andtest the panel.

Once a panel has been designed, assembled, and put into use, it maybecome desirable to update or upgrade the panel or components therein.Control panels that follow the typical design and assembly may bedifficult to modify due to the integration of the components in thepanel. That is, typical control panels are difficult to upgrade. Oldercontrol panel design and assembly methods require customized re-designand modification as the electric power system evolves and upgradesbecome desirable. For example, many protection and control strategiesare expected to change over the next few decades to accommodatedistributed energy such as photovoltaic, batteries, and wind. Theexisting infrastructure was not designed for such rapid changes andupgrades are time consuming and error prone when associated with uniquedesigns.

The present inventors have recognized the desirability of improvedassembly processes, systems, devices, and methods to resolve theproblems with presently available custom panel design and assembly asdescribed above.

The present disclosure and descriptions herein relate to defining andassembling modules that are a self-contained solution to an electricalfunction pertaining to operation of an electrical power system, and thatcan be independently wired, tested, and installed to assemble a controlpanel. The systems methods and techniques disclosed allow for highpredictability and repeatability of design and assembly at a modularlevel while affording customization and variability at the control panellevel.

The present disclosure includes pre-defining modules with a moduledefinition that includes data specifying: components to perform theelectrical function; mechanical arrangement of the components;electrical connections, including connections between the components andpoints of interface with other modules and other equipment of the powersystem; and logical interactions of the module, including logicalconnections between the components and logical interfaces with othermodules or other equipment of the power system.

The module definitions afford an ability to receive from a customer, anoperator, an engineer, or other requester a designation of a set ofmodules to be included in a control panel to be assembled. In someembodiments, the designation of a set of modules is received at acomputing system. Those modules can be pre-manufactured and stocked ininventory or they can be more readily ordered and/or manufactured,thereby decreasing required lead time to ultimately install a controlpanel. For example, a bill of materials (BoM) can be prepared orotherwise generated based on the designated modules. In someembodiments, a computing system can automatically prepare or otherwisegenerate a BoM based on the designated modules and the definitionsthereof. The BoM can include a listing of all components of every moduleof the designated set of modules. Stated differently, the BoM canspecify a parts list that includes a part listing for each of the one ormore components of all the modules in the set of modules designated. TheBoM is to be used to order the components according to each part listingin the parts list.

The module approach to assembling control panels can afford an abilityto independently wire each module and thereby increase throughput.Rather than assembling all components of a control panel in a controlpanel frame, as has traditionally been done, the individual modules canbe assembled independently, such as at different locations and/ordifferent points in time, using one or more module assembly frames.Thus, a control panel comprising a plurality of modules (e.g., fourmodules) can be assembled by assembling the plurality of modules inparallel with a plurality of workers (e.g., four workers) independentlywiring each of the plurality of modules. The assembly time isdrastically reduced.

The module approach to assembling control panels can afford an abilityto have repeatability in manufacturing or assembly of the modules, whichcan lower costs and defect rates. The assembly of a defined module canbe a repeatable process that can be refined to remove errors and lowerthe defect rate (if not eliminate defects entirely). The repeatabilityof the process also opens opportunity for a workforce that has lessexperience and/or skill (at least lesser than may be needed for aprocess that is, in essence, creating a custom panel every time).

The present disclosure and descriptions herein also relate to modularlyassembled control panels that are assembled using one or morepre-defined and independently wired and discretely functioning modules.A set of modules is designated for assembly into a control panel. Theset of modules may be designated for the panel, such as by a user,customer, engineer, or a control panel definition.

The present disclosure and descriptions herein also relate to reusableassembly frames that may be used as a sub-assembly station forindependently assembling modules for inclusion in a control panel. Amodule can be assembled at the assembly frame, including arrangingcomponents and wiring components together as if directly into a panel.The fully assembled (and optionally tested) module can then betransferred from the assembly frame to the control panel frame. Thereusable assembly frames simplify not only the module assembly process,but also the design and assembly of control panels, as the design andassembly may be performed in a modular manner. The assembly frame may beincluded as an element of an assembly station that provides portabilityand height adjustability.

In accordance with several embodiments described herein, components andwiring for one module of a control panel are designed for assembly in anassembly frame. The components, face plate, and wiring are thenassembled into the assembly frame. The assembly frame may be mounted ona configurable assembly station such that the installation personnel mayperform the assembly at their convenience, absent conflict with assemblyof other modules of the control panel. The modularity of the design andthe assembly frames enable multiple modules to be assembled in parallelor otherwise concurrently, eliminating physical constraints that havepreviously limited the number of personnel assembling a control panel.

Once the control module is assembled on the assembly frame, includingthe face plate, components, support features, DIN rails, terminalblocks, and wiring, the assembled module may be removed from theassembly frame and installed into the control panel frame. Multipleassembled control modules may be assembled in parallel at separateassembly frames and installed into the control panel frame to produce acontrol panel.

The assembly frame may include a faceplate frame moveably connected toside frames. The faceplate frame may accept a face plate that willbecome part of the control panel upon mounting to the control panelframe. The side frames may be connected to the faceplate frame usinghinges to provide easier access to different portions of the assembly.The side frames may include mounting features for temporarily mountingDIN rails and other support features. With the faceplate and othercomponents installed in the faceplate frame and the side frames, wiringamong the components may be performed with the components in theassembly frame.

The assembly frame may be transported (e.g., as part of a movableassembly station) to the control panel frame on the adjustableworkstation. The adjustable workstation may lift the assembly frame withthe assembled module (and installed components thereof) to anappropriate level of the control panel frame. Once at the desired level,the assembled module may be removed from the assembly frame andinstalled into the control panel frame. For example, the faceplate withinstalled components may be removed from the assembly module andinstalled into the control panel frame. The support components, DINrails, wiring, and other components temporarily installed into theassembly frame may also be installed into the control panel frame.

Modules installed into the control panel can be wired to otherelectrical power system hardware and/or connected at points of interfaceof the module (or otherwise wired together as appropriate) to accomplishan intended application (e.g., a set of functions pertaining tooperation of an electrical power system) of an electrical systemoperator for which the control panel was designed, ordered, or otherwiserequested or intended to be built.

In accordance with several embodiments described herein, components andwiring for one control module of a control panel are designed forassembly in an assembly frame. The components, face plate, and wiringare then assembled into the assembly frame. The assembly frame may bemounted on a configurable workstation such that the installationpersonnel may perform the assembly at their convenience. Once thecontrol module is assembled on the assembly module, including the faceplate, components, support features, DIN rails, terminal blocks, andwiring, the assembled control module may be removed from the assemblymodule and installed into the control panel frame. Multiple assembledcontrol modules may be assembled in parallel in separate assembly framesand installed into the control panel frame to produce a control panel.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a control panel frame 102, according toone embodiment of the present disclosure. The control panel frame 102may include a front support 104 and a back support 106. The front andback supports 104, 106 may include mounting features to which thevarious control panel components may be mounted to form the controlpanel. For example, the front support 104 may be configured to have aface plate of a module mounted thereto for presenting user-interfacingcomponents to an operator of an electrical power system or other user.The back support 106 may provide structure to which mounting brackets ofa module, such as cross braces, can be mounted. For example, one or morecross braces of a module can be mounted and positioned to extend betweenthe front support 104 and the back support 106, thereby stabilizing aninstallation of a module. Further, the mounting brackets or cross bracesprovide additional structure to which other components of modules can beattached during independent assembly of the module for installation intothe control panel frame 102 during control panel assembly.

FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of a module 200 of a controlpanel, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,illustrating components of the module 200. Once assembled, the module200 can be mounted or otherwise installed in a control panel frame(e.g., the control panel frame 102 of FIG. 1 ) to assemble a controlpanel. The control panel can be a customized control panel that iscustomized for a given installation site. The components of the module200 may include, among others: a face plate 202, into which various IEDs204, 206 (and/or user-interfacing devices), test switches 217, and thelike may be installed; cross braces 214 and/or DIN rails (or terminalblock rails) 227, 228, 229, 230; circuit breakers 208; jumpers 232;terminal blocks 210, 212; and so forth. The cross braces 214 may betemporarily mounted to a side frame of an assembly frame or morepermanently mounted in a control panel frame with screws 225. The DINrails 227, 228, 229, 230 may be directly mounted to the cross braces 214or mounted to the cross braces 214 via mounting brackets 213, 215.

As can be seen, before assembly into a control panel frame, certain ofthe components of a module are free-standing and otherwise notinterconnected or otherwise coupled together. Previously, assembly ofcomponents into a control panel required direct assembly (orinstallation) of these components into the control panel frame, whichgenerally resulted in the deficiencies described above. Accordingly, thepresent disclosure provides assembly systems, methods, devices andtechniques that enable assembly of discretely functioning andindependently assembled (e.g., wired) and tested modules. As describedin more detail herein, components of a discrete module may betemporarily installed and wired before intended installation into acontrol panel. Installation onto the control panel frame then involvessimple removal of the face plate 202 and cross braces 214 and transferand mounting of the face plate 202 and cross braces 214 into the controlpanel frame.

The systems, methods, devices, and techniques disclosed herein allow formodular design, assembly of multiple modules in parallel (includingwiring), enhanced reproducibility, fewer personnel performinginstallation in a control panel frame during the same time period,easier upgradability of components, and more ergonomic installationconditions during assembly, and multiple other improvements.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method 300 of assembling a control panel,according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Modules aredefined 302, for example, according to common or standard functionspertaining to operation of the electrical power system. Some examples ofcommon or standard functions include but are not limited to:

-   -   overcurrent protection    -   distance protection    -   differential protection    -   voltage protection    -   voltage control    -   frequency control    -   breaker control    -   peak metering    -   demand metering    -   revenue metering    -   power quality metering    -   arc flash protection    -   precise time synchronization    -   communications and networking    -   automation    -   data concentration    -   protocol conversion    -   secure access    -   cybersecurity    -   annunciation and visualization    -   operation    -   redundant power    -   remote metering    -   status indication    -   control    -   situational awareness

A module can be related to one or multiple applications of a controlpanel. A control panel is intended to provide a solution to anapplication pertaining to operation of an electrical system. Anapplication may be a collection of one or more functions that pertain tooperation of an electrical system. Applications generally are related tomain components of an electrical power system that need to be operated.Some examples of applications include but are not limited to:

-   -   Line protection, control and monitoring    -   Transformer protection, control and monitoring    -   Bus protection, control and monitoring    -   Feeder protection, control and monitoring    -   Capacitor bank protection, control and monitoring    -   Substation automation and control    -   Microgrid control    -   Bay control    -   Distribution automation    -   Power management        The modules are included in a control panel to perform functions        toward a broader application of a panel.

The modules are defined 302 to be a self-contained or discrete solutionthat performs one or more electrical functions pertaining to operationof the electrical power system. In some embodiments, a module canperform a single function. In some embodiments, a module can performmultiple functions. The modules are defined 302 with a module definitionthat includes data specifying: components to perform the electricalfunction(s); a mechanical arrangement of the components to facilitatehuman interaction, use, and independent manufacture and testing of themodule; electrical connections, including connections between thecomponents and points of electrical interface with other modules andother equipment of the power system; and logical interactions, includinglogical connections between the components to perform the electricalfunction and logical interfaces with other modules or other equipment ofthe power system. Each module is designed and defined 302 to bediscretely functional and independently wired, tested, and installed ina control panel.

Defining 302 module definitions allows for high predictability andrepeatability of design and assembly at a modular level while affordingcustomization and variability at the control panel level. Modules can bepre-manufactured and stocked in inventory or they can be more readilyordered and/or manufactured, thereby decreasing required lead time toultimately install a control panel. As will be described more fully,rather than assembling all components of a control panel in a controlpanel frame, as has traditionally been done, defining modules can allowmodules to be assembled independently, such as at different locationsand/or at different points in time. A control panel comprising aplurality of modules can be assembled by assembling the plurality ofmodules in parallel with a plurality of workers (e.g., four workers)independently wiring each of the plurality of modules, thereby reducingassembly time. Further, defining 302 modules to assemble control panelscan afford an ability to have repeatability in manufacturing or assemblyof the modules, which can lower costs and defect rates. The assembly ofa defined module can be a repeatable process that can be refined toremove errors and lower the defect rate (if not eliminate defectsentirely). The repeatability of the process also opens opportunity for aworkforce that has less experience and/or skill (at least lesser thanmay have been previously needed for, in effect, creating a custom panelevery time).

The module definitions afford an ability to receive 304 inputdesignating a set of modules to be included in a control panel to beassembled. The input may be received 304 from a customer, an operator,an engineer, or other requester. In some embodiments, the designation ofa set of modules is received 304 at a computing system. For example, aselection interface may be presented on a computing device (e.g., aclient computing device, a mobile smartphone, a tablet, a laptop) thatprovides a listing of modules from which the set of modules can beselected or otherwise designated. In some embodiments, the designationof the set of modules may be received over a communication network.

In some embodiments, the input received may be a listing of the modulesin the set of modules. In some embodiments, the input may be a controlpanel definition that includes a designation of modules to be includedin the control panel. In some embodiments, the input may be in the formof a control panel order. A customer, an operator, an engineer, oranother requester can determine a control panel application (e.g., acollection of functions) to be used in operating an electrical systemand accordingly order a control panel. The order or request for thecontrol panel may be for a standard control panel product, amodification of a control panel product, or a custom-designed controlpanel. Regardless of the manner of requesting the control panel, anengineer or a computing system can generate a set of modules and adesignation of that set of modules can be received 304.

A BoM can be prepared 306 or otherwise generated based on the designatedmodules. Module definitions that include data specifying components tobe included in the module enable a BoM to be generated from adesignation of a set of components. In some embodiments, a computingsystem can automatically prepare 306 or otherwise generate a BoM basedon the designated modules and the definitions thereof. The BoM caninclude a listing of all components of every module of the designatedset of modules. Stated differently, the BoM can specify a parts listthat includes a part listing for each of the one or more components ofall the modules in the set of modules designated. The BoM is to be usedto order the components according to each part listing in the partslist.

The components according to the parts list of a BoM can be obtained 316,such as by ordering from a third-party or by initiating manufacture ofthe components. Having a parts list from a BoM at a point in time nearto when a control panel (or application) is requested can drasticallyreduce lead time for assembling and installing a control panel. Thecomponents can be obtained 316 or otherwise sourced while continuedengineering 308 of the forthcoming installation of the control panel isongoing. In some embodiments, the obtaining 316 of components per theBoM can occur in parallel to, or otherwise concurrently with, ongoingengineering 308.

Once the components are obtained 316, the set of modules can beassembled 318. The modular design and module definition allows eachmodule to be independently assembled 318. The modules are each assembledaccording to a corresponding module definition. The components arearranged according to a mechanical arrangement specified in the moduledefinition. The components are wired or otherwise electrically connectedand electrical interfaces are defined according to electricalconnections specified in the module definition. Logical interactions,including logical connections between the components to perform theelectrical function and logical interfaces with other modules or otherequipment of the power system, are formed according to the moduledefinition.

The modules can be loaded 320 with settings that provide customizationof the functions of the modules, and thereby the application of thecontrol panel. The settings can be loaded 320 by uploading a file to themodule and/or components of the module. For example, in one embodiment asettings file may be uploaded to each component. In another embodiment,a settings file may include settings for multiple or for all componentsof a module. In still another embodiment, the module and/or componentsmay be “connected” in that they are in communication with acommunication network (e.g., the Internet) and settings can be loaded320 to the components of the module via the network connection. Theloaded 320 settings may further configure logical connections of themodule according to a module definition and/or according to aconfiguration of the actual power system to be controlled by the controlpanel. Enabling configuration of the modules by loading settings enablesa define module (e.g., a standard module) to be utilized in applicationsin operating a power system for a multitude of power systemconfigurations.

Each module is designed and defined to be independently tested 322 toensure proper operation. Testing may include testing to verify settingsof each module. Testing may include current injection testing. Thetesting 322 can occur prior to installation in the control panel orfollowing installation. Significantly, each module can be independentlytested such that defects and/or errors are easily isolated to a modulerather than being identifiable only as within the control panel, whichcan save significant time and expense in troubleshooting and finalizinga control panel for delivery and installation.

The modules are installed into a control panel rack to assemble 324 thecontrol panel. The control panel assembly may be done prior to or aftertesting of the modules. Optionally, the control panel as a whole can betested 326 for proper operation. As the modules are independentlytestable 322 and are designed and defined to operate independently andto present a defined interface to other modules and hardware of theelectrical power system, testing 326 of the control panel as a whole maybe a redundant and unnecessary action.

As mentioned, in certain embodiments, engineering 308 a forthcominginstallation of a control panel occurs because a control panel isgenerally ordered or otherwise requested for a particular applicationpertaining to operation of an electrical power system at a particularlocation. Locations and applications are often unique, as previouslyexplained, due to existing hardware and/or infrastructure, position onthe grid, operator preferences and/or background or experience, and evenfactors such as climate and weather. Accordingly, additional engineering308 and related services may be involved to eventually install andcommission a control panel. Historically, lead times for installing andcommissioning new control panels have been long, because each controlpanel was essentially built from scratch and the components for thecontrol panel could not be identified until the engineering work wascomplete. The modules and modular assembly approaches and techniquesdescribed herein enable any additional engineering 308 to be done inparallel or otherwise concurrently with obtaining 316 components.

The engineering 308 of a forthcoming installation of a control panel,according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may includeactions such as, but not limited to: obtaining module input datalist(s), outage planning list(s), and commissioning plan andchecklist(s); performing safety checks; conducting one or more sitevisits at the installation site; obtaining customer/requester drawingsor renderings of one or more of: the installation site, an anticipatedfinal rendering of the installation, and an interconnection of thecontrol panel with other site hardware; developing an outage andcommissioning plan; generating an engineering drawings package (e.g.,using a design automation tool); transmitting the engineering drawingspackage(s) to the customer/requester; and obtaining approval of theengineering drawings from the customer/requester.

The engineering 308 of the forthcoming installation of the control panelmay identify certain configuration adjustments or customizations to bemade to components and/or modules of a control panel. Theinterconnection of the modules with other modules and with the powersystem apparatus may be unique or specific to a power system. Furthercustomizations are done via settings that create logical connectionsinternal to the IEDs that form the core of the module. A set of settingscan be generated 310 that can be loaded 320 or otherwise applied to thecomponents of assembled modules. The settings generated 310 may provideconfiguration of the components and/or the module, such as to select anoption or setting made available by the component. For example,setpoints for functions associated with the forthcoming installation maybe generated 310 and loaded 320 or otherwise applied to the componentsof assembled modules. As another example, logical connections for thecomponent for functions associated with forthcoming installation may begenerated 310 and loaded 320 or otherwise applied to the components ofassembled modules. Nameplates and labels associated to the namingconventions used for the forthcoming installation may be generated 310and loaded 320 or otherwise applied to the components of assembledmodules.

The configurable settings of the components of the module allowcustomizing the module, and therefore the panel, to the requirements ofthe power system to be controlled. For example, there will be variousteleprotection communications available and the module can be customizedby programming to interface with what is available for this specificinstallation. The application may or may not require use of functionsfor manual and automatic control of power system breakers and switchesand supervision of such functions (synchrocheck, dead voltage monitor,interlocking, etc). They may or may not require local and/or remotecontrol and configuration to interface with various remote-controlcommunications protocols. There are many variations that can beaccommodated by engineering settings for the components (e.g., IEDs)that may form a core of the module. The generation 310 of settings mayenable ongoing engineering 308 to occur in parallel or otherwiseconcurrently with the obtaining 316 of components and assembly 318 ofthe modules.

The control panel is installed 312 as ordered or according to anyadditional engineering. Once properly installed 312 at the location, thecontrol panel can be put 314 into service or otherwise commissioned andmade operational.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method 400 of defining a module of acontrol panel, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.The method 400 of defining a module may be included as part of a methodof assembling a control panel (e.g., see defining 302 modules of method300 of assembling a control panel of FIG. 3 ).

A producer of control panels receives many orders or requests forcontrol panels with certain components or functionality. Data can begleaned from these orders to identify 402 common components and/orfunctions of operating an electrical system. Modules can be designed anddefined based on these common components and/or functions.

In defining a module, a set of one or more components is specified 404that can perform an intended electrical function of the module. Thespecified 404 set of one or more components may include IEDs, circuitbreakers, jumpers, terminal blocks, and other electronic components. Thespecified 404 set of one or more components may further include wiring,cross braces, DIN rails (or terminal block rails), brackets, and/orscrews and other mounting and/or assembly hardware. The componentsspecified 404 as belonging in a module definition may depend on a levelof detail desired or appropriate for the module definition. Forinstance, in some embodiments, literally every part of the module (e.g.,down to screws, washers, wire ties, powder coat, and the like) may bespecified 404. In other embodiments, merely the electronic componentsare specified 404 in the module definition and mounting and assemblycomponents may simply be on hand as part of the assembly process. Stillother embodiments may include electronic components and some mountingcomponents (e.g., cross braces and rails).

The set of components are to be organized or otherwise arranged in thecontrol panel according to a specified 406 mechanical arrangement. Indefining a module, the mechanical arrangement is determined andspecified 406. The module is designed such that the components fitwithin a control panel rack of standard size or dimensions. Themechanical arrangement specifies positioning of the components so thatthe module fits within the space allotted within the control panel rackand its corresponding dimensions. Further, the electronic components mayhave space requirements, such as to allow airflow for cooling, to avoidarcing, and the like, and the mechanical arrangement is specified 406 toposition the components to comply with these requirements.

Electrical connections of the module are also to be specified 408 in amodule definition. The components are electrically interconnected, suchas by wiring, pins, jumpers, and the like, to accomplish the function ofthe module. In defining a module, the electrical connections between thecomponents and at interfaces of the module to connect with other modulesand hardware of the electrical power system are determined and specified408. The electrical connections may be specified 408 by an indication ofwhich connector of a component is to be connected to which connector ofanother component and by what connection medium (e.g., a wire havinggiven specifications). The electrical connections may be specified 408to ensure that a connection medium is rated for the anticipated currentand/or voltage of electricity to be passed therethrough.

Logical interactions of the module are to be specified 410 in a moduledefinition. Not only are components of the module electricallyconnected, the meaning of the electrical signals can be determined toclarify the interconnection and interoperability of the components toaccomplish the intended function of the module. In defining a moduledefinition, the logical interactions, including connections betweencomponents and at logical interfaces with other modules or otherequipment of the power system are determined and specified 410. Thelogical interactions may be specified according to an indication of alogical meaning of a signal on a connector of a component as providedover a connection medium to another connector of another component. Thelogical interactions may be specified 410 to ensure logicalunderstanding within each module and at interfaces of the module toother modules and other equipment. The logical interactions may also bespecified 410 so as to provide a meaningful mode to test that the moduleoperates properly when assembled.

With the components identified 402 and specified 404 to perform anintended electrical function of a module, and with the mechanicalarrangement specified 406, the electrical connections specified 408, andthe logical interactions specified 410, a module definition can becreated 412 or otherwise put into a useful and usable form. For example,the module definitions may be created 412 on a computing system andstored in a memory or other computer readable storage medium. Thecreated 412 module definitions can then be utilized, such as by acomputing system, an engineering team, an electrical power systemoperator, or the like, to present a designation of components for amodule. Similarly, the created 412 module definitions can be utilized bya computing system, an engineering team, a third-party originalequipment manufacturer (OEM), and/or a purchase and/or a manufacturingteam to generate a BoM at or near the outset of a module being orderedor otherwise requested.

FIG. 5 is a back view of an assembly station 500, according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure. The assembly station 500 providesan environment and/or workspace for independent assembly and testing ofa module, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In FIG. 5, the assembly station 500 includes an assembly frame 502 that is shownin a reclined position. The assembly frame 502 provides structure fortemporary installation of module components during independent assemblyof a module of a control panel.

The assembly frame 502 includes a faceplate frame 504 and side frames506. The faceplate frame 504 is to accept and support a faceplate of amodule to orient a front of the faceplate forward (and optionallydownward) and a back of the face plate rearward (and optionally upward)for ease of viewing and access by a user during assembly of a module. Aface plate may be temporarily mounted on a forward side of the faceplateframe 504, in some embodiments, to be supported during assembly of amodule. In other embodiments, a face plate may be mounted on a rearwardside of the faceplate frame 504 for greater convenience and/oraccessibility in temporarily mounting the faceplate to the faceplateframe 504. The faceplate frame 504 includes mounting features to whichthe faceplate of the of the module is to be temporarily mounted.

The side frames 506 each extend rearward from the faceplate frame 504 onopposing lateral sides of the faceplate frame 504. The side frames 506are pivotably mounted, or otherwise moveably coupled, to the faceplateframe 504 to be rotatable between a narrow position and an openposition. In FIG. 5 , the side frames 506 are shown in an open position,angling away from each other to provide a technician or other userincreased access to components mounted to the side frames 506 and/or thefaceplate frame 504.

A first side frame 506 may be pivotably (or otherwise moveably) coupledto a first lateral side of the faceplate frame 504 and rotatable betweena first (e.g., narrow) position that is in a plane substantiallyperpendicular to a plane of the faceplate frame 504 and a second (e.g.,open) position, which is shown in FIG. 5 , that is in a plane at anangle greater than 90 degrees to a plane of the faceplate frame 504. Thefirst side frame 506 extends rearward from the faceplate frame 504 inthe first position and in the second position to provide accessibilityto the user during assembly of a module. The first side frame 506includes mounting features for temporarily mounting a first cross braceto support components of the module during assembly of a module (e.g.,wiring components mounted to the mounting bracket to components mountedto the faceplate) and after permanent mounting of the cross brace duringinstallation of the module into a control panel.

A second side frame 506 is coupled to the faceplate frame 504 at asecond lateral side that is opposite the first lateral side of thefaceplate frame 504 and the first side frame 506. The second side frame506 also extends rearward from the faceplate frame 504 to provideaccessibility to module components for the user during assembly of amodule. The second side frame 506 may include mounting features fortemporarily mounting a second cross brace to support components of themodule during assembly of a module and after permanent mounting of thesecond cross brace during installation of the module into a controlpanel.

The assembly frame 502 may be installed on an adjustable workstation 510with a horizontal work surface 512 and a lift 514 to adjust a height ofthe work surface 512. The assembly frame 502 may be pivotably mounted orotherwise moveably coupled to the work surface 512 such that a workingangle of the assembly frame 502 may be adjusted between an uprightposition and a reclined position. The assembly frame 502 is shown in areclined position in FIG. 5 . The adjustable workstation 510 may be onwheels 516 for ease of transport or movement of the assembly frame 502in a manufacturing environment.

The assembly frame 502 may be scaled to a dimension of a module of acontrol panel. The module may include components for performing afunction or for a feature of the module. For example, a feederprotection module may include a feeder protection IED for mounting intothe face plate, associated DIN rails, wiring, test switches, and thelike. The feeder protection module may be assembled in the assemblyframe 502 by installation (albeit temporary) of the face plate into thefaceplate frame 504; installation of the feeder protection IED andassociated test switches into the faceplate; installation of bracketsonto the side frames 506; installation of the associated DIN rails,terminal blocks, circuit breakers, and the like onto the brackets; andthe associated wiring of the various components as designed.Installation of the feeder protection module into a control panel framemay then be performed by transporting the feeder protection module thathas been temporarily assembled into the assembly frame 502 to thecontrol panel frame. The faceplate (that includes the feeder protectionIED and test switches) and the brackets (including wiring) may then beremoved from the assembly frame 502 and installed into the control panelframe.

FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 are different views of an assembly station 600,according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, with an assemblyframe 602 mounted on a work surface 612 of an adjustable workstation610. FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the assembly station 600 withthe assembly frame 602 in an upright position. FIG. 7 is a back top viewof the assembly station 600 with one side frame 606 in an open positionand one side frame 606 in a narrow position. FIG. 8 is a back top viewof the assembly station 600 having both side frames 606 in a narrowposition. As can be seen, an angle between side frames 606 and afaceplate frame 604 of the assembly frame 602 may be adjusted forconvenience of assembly. Further, it may be seen that an angle betweenthe faceplate frame 604 and the work surface 612 of the adjustableworkstation 610 may be adjusted between an upright position and areclined position for ease of assembly.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are views of an assembly station 900, according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure. An assembly frame 902 of theassembly station 900 is in an open and reclined position. In FIG. 9 ,the assembly frame 902 includes a faceplate frame 904 in a reclinedposition and a pair of side frames 906, both in an open position forease of assembly. The assembly station 900 is shown during assembly of amodule with components of a module temporarily mounted to the frames904, 906 for assembly.

FIG. 9 is a back view of the assembly station 900 with the assemblyframe 902 in the reclined position and both side frames 906 in an openposition and components of the module 950 are mounted thereto duringmodule assembly. A faceplate 952 is mounted to the faceplate frame 904with a rear surface of the faceplate frame 904 oriented rearward to beaccessible to a technician, engineer, or other user of the assemblystation 900. Cross braces 964 of a module being assembled aretemporarily mounted to the side frames 906. DIN rails (or terminal blockrails) 977, 978, 979, 980 are mounted to the cross braces 964.Additional module components, including circuit breakers 958 andterminal blocks 960, 962 are mounted to the DIN rails (or terminal blockrails) 977, 978, 979, 980. The assembly station 900 provides a userincreased space and access to the faceplate 952, cross braces 964, andDIN rails (or terminal block rails) 977, 978, 979, 980 for installingcomponents of a module, and further provides the user increased spaceand access to the components for wiring electrical connections. A heightof a work surface 912 can be adjusted by a lift 914 to improve theergonomic position of the assembly frame 902 for a user.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the assembly station 900 with the assemblyframe 902 in an upright position and both side frames 906 in a narrowposition and components of a module are mounted thereto during assemblyof the module 950. FIG. 10 illustrates vertical stabilizers 922 tostabilize the assembly frame 902 in the upright position and toaccommodate the assembly frame 902 in the reclined position. In theembodiment of FIG. 10 , the vertical stabilizers are coupled to thefaceplate frame 904. In other embodiments the vertical stabilizers canbe coupled to other portions of the assembly frame 902. The verticalstabilizers also couple to the work surface 912. FIG. 10 alsoillustrates lateral stabilizers 924 to stabilize the side frames 906 inthe narrow position and in the open position(s). A lift 914 can adjust aheight of the work surface 912. The assembly station 900 also includes acart 918 on wheels 916 to provide movability of the assembly station900.

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of an assembly frame 1102,according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, with variouscomponents of a module 1150 temporarily mounted thereon. As can be seen,IEDs 1154 and 1156 have been mounted into the faceplate, which istemporarily installed in the faceplate frame. Cross braces 1164 aretemporarily mounted in the side frame 1106 and rails 1177, 1178 aremounted to the cross braces 1164. Components of the module 1150,including circuit breakers 1158 and terminal blocks 1160, 1162, aremounted to the rails 1177, 1178. The side frame 1106 is in an openposition angled rearward and laterally from the faceplate frame 1104 toprovide additional space and access to the components for wiring andotherwise assembling the module 1150. Wiring from IED 1154 has beenpartially installed, to be coupled to other components of the module1150.

FIG. 12 is a perspective back view of an assembly station 1200,according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and illustrates atechnician 20 wiring various components of a module 1250 that aretemporarily mounted on the assembly frame 1202. The side frames 1206 areadjusted to an open position to afford easier access to the variouscomponents of the module 1250 during assembly (e.g., installation andwiring) of the components. The height of the assembly frame 1202 isadjusted to allow the technician 20 to be seated while assembling themodule 1250.

FIG. 13 is a rear or back elevation view of a back of a module 1350installed into a control panel, according to one embodiment of thepresent disclosure. The control module 1350 is shown after assembly ontoan assembly frame, and after removal from the assembly frame andpermanent installation into a control panel frame 1302. As has beenstated above, the installation into the control pane frame 1302 may beperformed by removal of the faceplate 1352 and cross braces 1364 fromthe assembly frame, and installation of the faceplate 1352 and crossbraces 1364 into the control panel frame 1302. Whereas previously allinstallation, assembly, and wiring was performed directly in the controlpanel frame, the embodiments of the present disclosure allow forassembly and wiring of the various components of the module 1350 in anassembly frame, and then the remaining work that is done within thecontrol panel frame 1302 is the installation of the assembled module1350 into the control panel frame 1302. The assembly frame can then bere-used for assembly of additional modules. Furthermore, multiplemodules may be assembled in parallel in multiple assembly frames, andeach installed into the control panel frame 1302 to produce a controlpanel. The modules may be similar or different. The modules may be wiredtogether once installed in the control panel frame 1302.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate back and front views of a modularly assembledcontrol panel 1400, including a control panel frame 1402 with variousmodules 1404, 1406 that have been assembled and wired in assemblyframes, and then installed into the control panel frame 1402 to producea control panel. FIG. 14 is a back elevation view of the control panel1400 illustrating the several modules 1404, 1406 wired together withwires extending within the interior of the control panel frame 1402.FIG. 15 is a front elevation view of the control panel 1400, with userinterfaceable components 1454, 1456 (e.g., IEDs) presented for userinterfacing. As can be seen, the separate modules 1404, 1406 may beeasily removed and reinstalled during repair or upgrade. The variousmethods and devices described herein may be used to produce modularlyassembled control panels. That is, the control panels of the presentdisclosure may be made up of control panel modules that have beenassembled and wired using assembly frames, and installed into a controlpanel frame in a modular configuration. Accordingly, the control panelis comprised of a control panel frame 1402 and separately assembledcontrol modules 1404, 1406. The separately assembled control modules1404, 1406 may be separately removed and reinstalled during repair orupgrade procedures.

FIG. 16 is a diagram of a control panel assembly system 1600, accordingto one embodiment of the present disclosure. A control panel assemblycomputing system 1602, a manufacturing facility 1604, a control panelinstallation site 1606 (e.g., an electrical power plant), and,optionally, a client computing device 1620 may be coupled together via acommunication network 1625. Modules are defined, such as on the controlpanel assembly computing system 1602, at the client computing device1620, and/or by an engineering team at the manufacturing facility 1604.Module definitions are stored at or accessible to the control panelassembly computing system 1602.

A control panel order may be received at the control panel assemblycomputing system 1602. The control panel order may be received from aninstallation site 1606 or from the client computing device 1620 and maybe received over the communication network 1625. In some embodiments,the client computing device 1620 can be co-located at the installationsite 1606. The control panel order includes a designation of a set ofmodules to be included in a control panel to be assembled. Each moduleof the set of modules is selected from the plurality of modules defined.Alternatively, instead of a control panel order, simply a designation ofthe set of modules may be received.

To aid in designation of a set of modules, a module selection interface(e.g., a graphical user interface) may be presented to a user (e.g.,technician, engineer, operator) on the client computing device 1620. Themodule selection interface may provide for selection at a modular level,such that the user selects modules for inclusion into a control panel.Generally such a selection process or option would be presented only toqualified users with knowledge about compatibility of modules and/orcontrol panel definitions and the modules specified in such controlpanel definitions. Alternatively, a “wizard” or guided process may guidea user in selection of modules. The module selection interface and/orthe control panel assembly computing system 1602 may present options forselecting modules according to compatibility constraints (e.g., rules orguidelines) directing which defined modules are compatible in a controlpanel. The compatibility constraints may be configured according tocomplementary functionality of modules, standard practices in theindustry, best practices, and/or laws of electricity, physics, and/orother science. For example, the compatibility constraints may providethat a module for line protection should not be used for transformerprotection, because standard industry practice is to avert combiningcontrol of separate major components of an electrical power systemwithin a single control panel (e.g., because a repair of such controlpanel or component being controlled by such control panel would requiretaking two major components offline for the single repair). Thecompatibility constraints aid in removing module designation options(e.g., on the module selection interface) for modules that are notassociated with an intended application or complementary to thatapplication.

In another embodiment, the module selection interface may provide forselection of a control panel to be configured according to a customizedapplication. The module selection interface may provide predeterminedpackages (e.g., similar to a template control panel) directed to certainapplications (e.g., generic or common applications), and then provideoptions for customizing one or more components within such packages. Forexample, an application may be to monitor, control, and operate anadditional switching device in the power system. Customization of apreviously defined control panel via the selection interface canrepurpose interface points, electrical connections and/or digitalconnections to achieve the desired functionality.

The customization is generally accommodated by selecting the modules.For example, if the application requires a certain type of local controlinterface, the correct control module that provides the requiredinterface can be included in the control panel. There may be certainrepurposing of wiring depending on the combination of modules selected.For example, if a breaker control module is required to provide breakerfailure protection, outputs for breaker failure trip in a module getrepurposed for breaker failure initiate. The module design such thatcomplete repurposing of wiring to accommodate unanticipated variationsis not required. Any customization of the system is accomplished bymerely connecting external wires and in customizing settings.

In still another embodiment, the module selection interface may in factprovide for selection of stock control panels. A selection of a stockcontrol panel corresponds to a designation of a set of modules that canbe ordered either to build the requested control panel or to build areplacement of a control panel pulled from stock. Stated differently,the module selection interface may provide for selection of a controlpanel without any customization to the modules included therein.

The module definitions, as described above, afford an ability for thecontrol panel assembly computing system 1602 to automatically generateor otherwise prepare a BoM for a designated set of modules. The BoM canbe communicated to a computing system 1605 of the manufacturing facility1604, for example over the communication network 1625. In someembodiments, the control panel assembly computing system 1602 can beco-located with the manufacturing facility 1604.

The manufacturing facility 1604 can immediately begin manufacturing ofand/or a process of procuring components of the modules according to aparts list of the BoM. Additional engineering 1630 a, 1630 b by theproducer of the panels and/or at the installation site 1606 can beongoing while the manufacturing facility 1604 is producing/procuringcomponents of the modules. The additional engineering 1630 a, 1630 b,according to some embodiments, may include any one or more of: obtainingmodule input data list(s), outage planning list(s), and commissioningplan and checklist(s); performing safety checks; conducting one or moresite visits at the installation site 1606; obtaining customer/requesterdrawings (or renderings) of one or more of: the installation site, ananticipated final rendering of the installation, and an interconnectionof the control panel with other site hardware; developing an outage andcommissioning plan; generating an engineering drawings package, forexample, using a design automation tool; transmitting the engineeringdrawings package(s) to the customer; and obtaining approval of theengineering drawings from the customer. As can be appreciated, theadditional engineering involved may vary depending on whether theproject is a greenfield (new) project or a brownfield (retrofit/upgrade)project.

The designated set of modules can be assembled at the manufacturingfacility 1604 using assembly frames 1640 as described above, accordingto the module definitions. Assembling the designated set of modules onthe assembly frames 1640 may include wiring according to a correspondingmodule definition and the data therein specifying electrical connectionsbetween the one or more components. Assembling the designated set ofmodules can include arranging the components according to the dataspecifying the mechanical interaction. Assembling the designated set ofmodules may include loading settings for components of the module.

The modules may be independently tested for proper functioning at themanufacturing facility 1604 or by an engineering person/team at theinstallation site. The independent testing of the modules can occurprior to or after assembly of the set of modules into a control panel.

With the modules assembled, the requested control panel can be assembledin a control panel rack 1642 at the manufacturing facility or a rack atthe installation site 1606. The completed control panel is theninstalled or otherwise connected to electrical power system hardwareand/or other equipment and then put into commission. Installing thecontrol panel can include one or more of: mobilizing for construction;verifying and performing a safety plan; implementing an isolation plan(switching orders); implementing a demolition plan (including panelcuts); installing and wiring the control panel to one or more ofadjacent hardware and the electrical system (using checklists);performing functional tests on the control panel; putting an associatedzone of the electrical power system into service per switching orders;and updating the engineering drawings package to reflect changes madeduring installation to produce a final engineering drawings package thatdocuments the control panel as-installed. As can be appreciated, theinstallation process may vary depending on whether the project is agreenfield (new) project or a brownfield (retrofit/upgrade) project.

FIG. 17 is a diagram of a control panel assembly computing system 1700of a control panel assembly system, according to one embodiment of thepresent disclosure. The control panel assembly computing system 1700 mayinclude one or more processors 1702, an electronic memory 1704,input/output (I/O) interface(s) 1706, a network/communication interface1708, and a system bus 1710 interconnecting one or more of thesecomponents. The control panel assembly computing system 1700 may beaccessible to or otherwise in electronic communication, over a network1725, with a manufacturing facility 1714, an installation site 1716,and/or one or more client computing devices 1718. As previouslydescribed, the control panel assembly computing system 1700 may receivea designation of a set of modules, such as from the client computingdevice(s) 1718, the installation site 1716, or an engineering servicesteam and generate a BoM to initiate an order for the components of theset of modules. The manufacturing facility 1714 can receive the BoM andprocure and/or manufacture the components. The manufacturing and/orprocurement of the components can proceed in parallel or otherwiseconcurrently with any additional engineering associated with theinstallation site 1716, thereby greatly reducing lead time forcustomized control panel installation.

The one or more processors 1702 may include one or more general purposedevices, such as an Intel®, AMD®, or other standard microprocessor. Theone or more processors 1702 may include a special purpose processingdevice, such as ASIC, SoC, SiP, FPGA, PAL, PLA, FPLA, PLD, or othercustomized or programmable device. The one or more processors 1702perform distributed (e.g., parallel) processing to execute or otherwiseimplement functionalities of the present embodiments. The one or moreprocessors 1702 may run a standard operating system and perform standardoperating system functions. It is recognized that any standard operatingsystems may be used, such as, for example, Microsoft® Windows®, Apple®MacOS®, Disk Operating System (DOS), UNIX, IRJX, Solaris, SunOS,FreeBSD, Linux®, ffiM® OS/2® operating systems, and so forth.

The electronic memory 1704 may include static RAM, dynamic RAM, flashmemory, one or more flip-flops, ROM, CD-ROM, DVD, disk, tape, ormagnetic, optical, or other computer storage medium. The electronicmemory 1704 may include a plurality of program engines 1720 and programdata 1740. The electronic memory 1704 may be local to the control panelassembly computing system 1700 or may be remote from the control panelassembly computing system 1700 and/or distributed over the network 1725.

The program engines 1720 may include all or portions of other elementsof the control panel assembly computing system 1700. The program engines1720 may run multiple operations concurrently or in parallel by or onthe one or more processors 1702. In some embodiments, portions of thedisclosed modules, components, and/or facilities are embodied asexecutable instructions embodied in hardware or in firmware, or storedon a non-transitory, machine-readable storage medium. The instructionsmay comprise computer program code that, when executed by a processorand/or computing device, cause a computing system to implement certainprocessing steps, procedures, and/or operations, as disclosed herein.The modules, components, and/or facilities disclosed herein, may beimplemented and/or embodied as a driver, a library, an interface, anAPI, FPGA configuration data, firmware (e.g., stored on an EEPROM),and/or the like. In some embodiments, portions of the modules,components, and/or facilities disclosed herein are embodied as machinecomponents, such as general and/or application-specific devices,including, but not limited to: circuits, integrated circuits, processingcomponents, interface components, hardware controller(s), storagecontroller(s), programmable hardware, FPGAs, ASICs, and/or the like.

The program data 1740 stored on the electronic memory 1704 may includedata generated by the control panel assembly computing system 1700, suchas by the program engines 1720 or other engines or program modules. Thestored program data 1740 may be organized as one or more databases.

The I/O interface 1706 may facilitate interfacing with one or more inputdevices and/or one or more output devices. The input device(s) mayinclude a keyboard, mouse, touch screen, light pen, tablet, microphone,sensor, or other hardware with accompanying firmware and/or software.The output device(s) may include a monitor or other display, printer,speech or text synthesizer, switch, signal line, or other hardware withaccompanying firmware and/or software.

The network interface 1708 may facilitate communication with othercomputing devices and/or networks 1725, such as the Internet and/orother computing and/or communications networks. The network interface1708 may be equipped with conventional network connectivity, such as,for example, Ethernet (IEEE 802.3), Token Ring (IEEE 802.5), FiberDistributed Datalink Interface (FDDI), or Asynchronous Transfer Mode(ATM). Further, the computer may be configured to support a variety ofnetwork protocols such as, for example, Internet Protocol (IP), TransferControl Protocol (TCP), Network File System over UDP/TCP, Server MessageBlock (SMB), Microsoft® Common Internet File System (CIFS), HypertextTransfer Protocols (HTTP), Direct Access File System (DAFS), FileTransfer Protocol (FTP), Real-Time Publish Subscribe (RTPS), OpenSystems Interconnection (OSI) protocols, Simple Mail Transfer Protocol(SMTP), Secure Shell (SSH), Secure Socket Layer (SSL), and so forth.

The system bus 1710 may facilitate communication and/or interactionbetween the other components of the control panel assembly computingsystem 1700, including the one or more processors 1702, the electronicmemory 1704, the I/O interface 1706, and the network interface 1708.

As noted, the control panel assembly computing system 1700 includesvarious program engines 1720 (or engines, elements, or components) toimplement functionalities of the control panel assembly computing system1700 and to generate, access, and/or manipulate the program data 1740stored in the electronic memory 1704. The system modules can include amodule definition engine 1722, a module selection interface engine 1724,a control panel definition engine 1726, and a bill of materials engine1728.

The module definition engine 1722 may receive, generate, format,organize, and otherwise administer module definitions 1742 for modulesdesigned to be independently assembled, tested, and installed. Themodule definition engine 1722 may store, maintain, reference, andotherwise administer the module definitions 1742 in the program data1740 stored in the electronic memory 1704.

The module selection interface engine 1724 presents or otherwiseprovides a selection interface (e.g., to a client computing device) fora user to designate a set of modules for a control panel. The moduleselection interface engine 1724 may access or otherwise reference themodule definitions 1742 in the program data 1740 of the electronicmemory 1704. The module selection interface engine 1724 may consult orotherwise access compatibility constraints 1746 in providing interfaceoptions on the module selection interface engine 1724, thereby avoidingdesignations of incompatible modules in a set of modules for a controlpanel.

The control panel definition engine 1726 may receive, generate, format,organize, and otherwise administer control panel definitions 1744, whichmay include reference to or incorporation of module definitions 1742.The control panel definition engine 1726 may store, maintain, reference,and otherwise administer the control panel definitions 1744 in theprogram data 1740 stored in the electronic memory 1704.

The bill of materials engine 1728 can generate or otherwise prepare aBoM based on a received designation of a set of modules for a controlpanel. The bill of materials engine 1728 may generate a parts list,including quantities of each part, for all the components need toassemble all the modules in a designated set of modules for a controlpanel. The bill of materials engine 1728 may handle communication ofBoMs to the manufacturing facility 1714.

EXAMPLES

Some examples of embodiments of the present disclosure are providedbelow.

Example 1. An assembly frame (for temporary installation of modulecomponents) for assembly of a module of a control panel, comprising: afaceplate frame to accept and support a faceplate of a module (e.g., ona forward surface) to orient a front of the faceplate forward (andselectively downward) and a back of the face plate rearward (andselectively upward) for ease of viewing and access by a user duringassembly of a module, the faceplate frame including mounting features towhich the faceplate of the of the module is to be mounted; a first sideframe pivotably (or otherwise moveably) coupled to a first lateral sideof the faceplate frame and rotatable between a first position (e.g., anarrow position, which may be in a plane substantially perpendicular tothe faceplate frame) and a second position (e.g., an open position,which may be in a plane at an angle greater than 90 degrees to thefaceplate), the first side frame extending rearward from the faceplateframe in the first position and the second position to provideaccessibility to the user during assembly, the first side frameincluding mounting features for temporarily mounting a first cross braceto support components of the module during assembly (e.g., wiringcomponents mounted to the mounting bracket to components mounted to thefaceplate) and after permanent mounting of the cross brace duringinstallation of the module into a control panel; and a second side framecoupled to the faceplate frame at a second lateral side that is oppositethe first lateral side of the faceplate frame and the first side frame,the second side frame extending rearward from the faceplate frame toprovide accessibility to the user during assembly, the second side frameincluding mounting features for temporarily mounting a second crossbrace to support components of the module during assembly (e.g., wiringcomponents mounted to the mounting bracket to components mounted to thefaceplate) and after permanent mounting during installation of themodule into a control panel, wherein the assembly frame is configuredfor temporary mounting of module components during wiring and configuredfor removal of an assembled module to install to a control panel frame.

Example 2. The assembly frame of Example 201, wherein the first sideframe in the first position is in a plane perpendicular to the faceplateframe and in the second position is in a plane at an angle greater than90 degrees to the faceplate extending laterally outward.

Example 3. The assembly frame of Example 1, wherein the second sideframe is pivotably coupled to the faceplate frame and rotatable betweena first position (e.g., a narrow position) and a second position (e.g.,an open position) extending away from the first side frame.

Example 4. The assembly frame of Example 3, wherein the second sideframe in the first position is in a plane perpendicular to the faceplateframe and in the second position is in a plane at an angle greater than90 degrees to the faceplate.

Example 5. The assembly frame of Example 1, where the first and secondcross braces include mounting features to which can be mounted one ormore of a mounting bracket, a DIN rail, a terminal block, and a circuitbreaker.

Example 6. The assembly frame of Example 1, wherein the faceplate frameis coupled to a working surface and oriented at an angle transverse to aplane of the working surface.

Example 7. The assembly frame of Example 1, wherein the faceplate frameis pivotably coupled to a working surface and rotatable between anupright position oriented at (or forming) a right angle to the workingsurface and a reclined position oriented at (or forming) an acute angleto the working surface.

Example 8. The assembly frame of Example 7, further comprising one ormore stabilizers to stabilize the faceplate frame in the uprightposition and to accommodate the faceplate frame in the reclinedposition.

Example 9. The assembly frame of Example 1, wherein the faceplate frameis coupled to a working surface, the height of which is adjustable.

Example 10. The assembly frame of Example 1, wherein the faceplate frameis rectangular.

Example 11. A module assembly station for supporting a module of acontrol panel during assembly, comprising: an assembly surface providinga horizontal work surface; a lift coupled to the assembly surface andconfigured to adjust a height of the horizontal work surface; afaceplate frame disposed on the horizontal work surface, the faceplateframe to accept and support a faceplate of a module for ease of viewingand access by a user during assembly of a module, the faceplate frameincluding mounting features to which the faceplate of the of the moduleis to be mounted; a first side frame pivotably coupled to a firstlateral side of the faceplate frame and rotatable between a narrowposition and an open position, the first side frame extending rearwardfrom the faceplate frame in the narrow position and the open position toprovide accessibility to the user during assembly, the first side frameincluding mounting features for temporarily mounting a first cross braceto support components of the module during assembly and after permanentmounting of the first cross brace during installation of the module intoa control panel; and a second side frame coupled to the faceplate frameat a second lateral side that is opposite the first lateral side of thefaceplate frame and the first side frame, the second side frameextending rearward from the faceplate frame to provide accessibility tothe user during assembly, the second side frame including mountingfeatures for temporarily mounting a second cross brace to supportcomponents of the module during assembly and after permanent mountingduring installation of the module into a control panel.

Example 12. The module assembly station of Example 11, furthercomprising a cart on which the lift is disposed, the cart comprisingwheels and providing mobility of the module assembly station.

Example 13. The module assembly station of Example 11, wherein the firstside frame in the narrow position is perpendicular to the faceplateframe and in the open position is at an angle greater than 90 degreesfor the faceplate extending laterally outward.

Example 14. The module assembly station of Example 11, wherein thesecond side frame is pivotably coupled to the faceplate frame androtatable between a narrow position and an open position extending awayfrom the first side frame.

Example 15. The module assembly station of Example 14, wherein thesecond side frame in the narrow position is perpendicular to thefaceplate frame and in the open position is at an angle greater than 90degrees to the faceplate.

Example 16. The module assembly station of Example 11, wherein thefaceplate frame is pivotably coupled to a working surface and rotatablebetween an upright position oriented perpendicular to the workingsurface and a reclined position extending forward and upward from theworking surface.

Example 17. The module assembly station of Example 11, wherein thefaceplate frame is rectangular.

Example 18. The module assembly station of Example 11, wherein the firstside frame and second side frame are rectangular.

Example 19. A method of modular control panel assembly comprising:receiving, at a computing system, a designation of a set of modules tobe included in a control panel to be assembled to address an applicationin operating an electrical power system, each module of the set ofmodules selected from a plurality of modules, each module of theplurality of modules a self-contained solution that performs anelectrical function pertaining to operation of the electrical powersystem, each module of the plurality of modules defined by a moduledefinition that includes data specifying: components to perform theelectrical function; a mechanical arrangement of the components tofacilitate human interaction, use, and independent manufacture andtesting of the module; electrical connections; and logical interactions,including logical connections between the components to perform theelectrical function and logical interfaces with other modules or otherequipment of the power system, wherein each module is designed to beapplicable to different anticipated power system configurations,discretely functional and independently wired, tested, and installed inthe control panel; preparing (e.g., generating), by the computingsystem, a bill of materials for all the components of each and everymodule of the set of modules, the bill of materials specifying a partslist that includes a part listing for each of the components of all themodules in the set of modules designated, wherein the bill of materialsis to be used to order the components according to each part listing inthe parts list; assembling each module from the set of modules from thecomponents of the component order, wherein assembling the moduleincludes arranging the one or more components according to acorresponding module definition and the data therein specifying themechanical interaction, and wherein assembling the module includeswiring the module according to the corresponding module definition, thedata therein specifying electrical connections between the components;independently testing each module of the set of modules; and assemblingthe control panel from the set of modules and according to each moduledefinition and/or according to a panel definition, the assemblingincluding mounting the set of modules to a control panel rack.

Example 20. The method of Example 19, further comprising: defining theplurality of modules with a corresponding module definition, includingdetermining the components, the mechanical arrangement, the electricalconnections, and the logical interactions of the module to cover mostanticipated power system configurations.

Example 21. The method of Example 20, wherein each module of theplurality modules is defined based on one or more commonly usedcomponents of control panels commonly requested by one or moreelectrical power system operators.

Example 22. The method of Example 21, further comprising identifying theone or more commonly used components of control panels commonlyrequested by electrical power system operators.

Example 23. The method of Example 19, wherein the bill of materialsincludes a quantity for each part listing in the bill of materials, andwherein the bill of materials is to be used to instruct (e.g., order)one of manufacture and purchase of components in the quantitycorresponding to each part listing in the parts list.

Example 24. The method of Example 19, further comprising presenting, ona computing device, a selection interface providing a listing of modulesfrom which the set of modules is to be selected for assembly.

Example 25. The method of Example 19, wherein the designation of the setof modules is received at the computing system over a communicationnetwork from the computing device.

Example 26. The method of Example 25, wherein the designation of the setof modules is received from one of a customer, an operator of theelectrical power system, and an engineer (e.g., of an engineeringservices team).

Example 27. The method of Example 19, further comprising engineering aforthcoming installation of the control panel at an installation site.

Example 28. The method of Example 27, wherein engineering theforthcoming installation of the control panel comprises: obtainingmodule input data list(s), outage planning list(s), and commissioningplan and checklist(s); performing safety checks; conducting one or moresite visits at the installation site; obtaining customer renderings(e.g., drawings) of one or more of: the installation site, ananticipated final rendering of the installation, and an interconnectionof the control panel with other site hardware; developing an outage andcommissioning plan; generating an engineering drawings package using adesign automation tool; transmitting the engineering drawings package(s)to customer; and obtaining approval of the engineering drawings from thecustomer.

Example 29. The method of Example 19, wherein the one or more componentsof a module includes an interface device to connect to an interfacedevice of another module (e.g., via wiring) and through whichcommunication occurs between the module and the other module.

Example 30. The method of Example 19, further comprising configuring thelogical interaction of the one or more components by: generating one ormore settings for the set of modules to configure one or more of thecomponents and the logical interactions of the module, based on thedefined electrical connections and specified function requirements; andloading settings into components of the set of modules via the one ormore settings load files.

Example 31. The method of Example 30, wherein generating the one or moresettings comprises generating one or more settings files and loading thesettings comprises uploading the one or more settings files to thecomponents of the set of modules.

Example 32. The method of Example 31, wherein loading the settingscomprises applying the settings to the components of the set of modulesover a network connection.

Example 33. The method of Example 19, wherein independently testing eachmodule includes one or more of: testing to verify settings of eachmodule; and current injection testing.

Example 34. The method of Example 19, further comprising testing thatthe control panel correctly addresses the application in operating theelectrical power system.

Example 35. The method of Example 19, wherein the function pertaining tooperation of the electrical power system is one of distance protection,overcurrent protection, transformer differential protection,differential protection, voltage protection, voltage control, frequencycontrol, breaker control, peak metering, demand metering, revenuemetering, and power quality metering.

Example 36. The method of Example 19, wherein the application inoperating the electrical power system comprises a plurality of functionspertaining to operation of the electrical power system, each function ofthe plurality of functions performed by a module.

Example 37. The method of Example 36, wherein the plurality of functionsare to physically reside together to achieve the application inoperating the electrical power system.

Example 38. The method of Example 19, wherein the application inoperating the electrical power system is associated with a maincomponent of the electrical power system.

Example 39. The method of Example 19, wherein the application inoperating the electrical power system comprises one of: line protection,control, and monitoring; transformer protection, control and monitoring;bus protection, control and monitoring; feeder protection, control andmonitoring; and capacitor bank.

Example 40. The method of Example 19, further comprising installing thecontrol panel at an installation site.

Example 41. The method of Example 40, wherein installing the controlpanel includes: mobilizing for construction; verifying and performing asafety plan; implementing an isolation plan (switching orders);implementing a demolition plan (including panel cuts); installing andwiring the control panel to one or more of adjacent hardware and theelectrical system (using checklists); performing functional tests on thecontrol panel; putting an associated zone of the electrical power systeminto service per switching orders; and updating the engineering drawingspackage to reflect changes made during installation to produce a finalengineering drawings package that documents the control panelas-installed.

Example 42. A method of modular control panel assembly comprising:defining, on a computing system, a plurality of modules with a moduledefinition, each module to be a self-contained solution to an electricalfunction pertaining to operation of an electrical power system, eachmodule definition to include data specifying: components to perform theelectrical function; mechanical arrangement of the components;electrical connections, including connections between the components andpoints of interface with other modules and other equipment of the powersystem; and logical interaction, including logical connections betweenthe components and logical interfaces with other modules or otherequipment of the power system, wherein each module is designed to beindependently wired, tested, and installed in a control panel;receiving, at the computing system, a designation of a set of modules tobe included in a control panel to be assembled, wherein each module ofthe set of modules is selected from the plurality of modules defined;preparing a bill of materials for all components of every module of theset of modules, the bill of materials specifying a parts list thatincludes a part listing for each of the one or more components of allthe modules in the set of modules designated, the bill of materialsincluding a quantity for each part listing in the bill of materials,wherein the bill of materials to be used to instruct/order one ofmanufacture and purchase of components in the quantity corresponding toeach part listing in the parts list; engineering a forthcominginstallation of the control panel; assembling each module from the setof modules from the components of the component order, whereinassembling the module includes wiring according to a correspondingmodule definition and the data therein specifying the mechanicalarrangement and the electrical connections between the one or morecomponents; independently testing each module of the set of modules,including: testing to verify settings of each module; current injectiontesting; assembling the control panel from the set of modules andaccording to each module definition; and installing the control panel atthe site.

Example 43. The method of Example 42, further comprising testing thecontrol panel.

Example 44. The method of Example 42, further comprising identifying theone or more commonly used components of control panels commonlyrequested by electrical power system operators.

Example 45. The method of Example 42, wherein the designation of the setof modules is received from one of a customer, an operator of theelectrical power system, and an engineer of an engineering servicesteam.

Example 46. The method of Example 42, wherein engineering theforthcoming installation of the control panel comprises: obtaining oneor more of a module input data list, outage planning list, andcommissioning plan and checklist; performing safety checks; obtainingdrawings of one or more of: the installation site, an anticipated finalrendering of the installation, and an interconnection of the controlpanel with other site hardware; developing an outage and commissioningplan; and generating an engineering drawings package for approval usinga design automation tool.

Example 47. The method of Example 42, further comprising configuring thelogical interaction of the one or more components by: generating one ormore settings for the set of modules to configure one or more of thecomponents and the logical interactions of the module, based on thedefined electrical connections and specified function requirements; andloading settings into components of the set of modules via the one ormore settings load files.

Example 48. The method of Example 42, wherein independently testing eachmodule includes one or more of: testing to verify settings of eachmodule; and current injection testing.

Example 49. The method of Example 42, wherein the application inoperating the electrical power system comprises a plurality of functionspertaining to operation of the electrical power system, wherein themodule performs one function of the plurality of functions performed,and wherein the plurality of functions are to physically reside togetherto achieve the application in operating the electrical power system.

Example 50. A method of modular control panel assembly comprising:identifying commonly used components of control panels; designing aplurality of modules each to include one or more of the commonly usedcomponents, the module to be independently (or discretely) wired,tested, and installed in a control panel; defining a plurality ofmodules each to include one or more commonly included components oftraditionally customized control panels, each module definition toinclude data providing or specifying one or more electrical componentsto perform an electrical function pertaining to operation of anelectrical power system; a mechanical arrangement of the components tofacilitate human interaction, use, and independent manufacture andtesting of the module; electrical connections, including connectionsbetween the components and connections comprising points of interfacewith other modules and other equipment of the power system; and definedlogical interactions, including logical connections between thecomponents to perform the electrical function and logical interfaceswith other modules or other equipment of the power system, wherein eachmodule is designed to be independently (or discretely) wired, tested,and installed in a control panel; presenting (e.g., to a customer), aninterface providing a listing or representation of types of modules tobe selected for inclusion in a set of modules to be assembled into orotherwise included in a control panel; receiving (e.g., from thecustomer) input designating a set of modules to be assembled into (orotherwise included in) the control panel to be assembled, wherein eachmodule of the set of modules is selected from the plurality of modulesdefined; preparing (e.g., generating) a bill of materials for allcomponents of each module of the set of modules, the bill of materialsspecifying a parts list that includes a part listing for each of the oneor more components of all the modules in the set of modules designated,the bill of materials including a quantity for each part listing in thebill of materials, wherein the bill of materials to be used toinstruct/order one of manufacture and purchase of components in thequantity corresponding to each part listing in the parts list;engineering a forthcoming installation of the control panel including:obtaining module input data list(s), outage planning list(s), andcommissioning plan and checklist(s); performing safety checks;conducting site visits; obtaining customer drawings renderings of one ormore of an installation site, an anticipated final rendering, aninterconnection of the control panel with other site hardware;developing an outage and commissioning plan; generating engineeringdrawings package using a design automation tool; transmitting Issued ForReview (IFR) drawings package(s) to the customer; obtaining approvalfrom the customer; assembling each module from the set of modules fromthe components of the component order, wherein assembling the moduleincludes wiring according to a corresponding module definition and thedata therein; generating demolition drawings; performing a Short CircuitStudy (SCS); creating a report of the SCS and transmitting the report tocustomer; generating one or more settings load files for the set ofmodules; obtain approval from customer, based on SCS and one or moresettings load files; loading settings into components of the set ofmodules via the one or more settings load files; testing each module ofthe set of modules, including: testing to verify settings of eachmodule; current injection testing, wherein each module is independentlytested; generating one or more reports on testing the set of modules;transmit the reports for approval to one or more of the customer and anengineering services team; obtain approval from customer to ship thecontrol panel; installing the control panel at the site, including:mobilizing for construction; verifying and perform a safety plan;implementing isolation plan (switching orders); implementing demolitionplan (including panel cuts); installing and wiring control panel (e.g.,to at least one of adjacent hardware and the electrical power system(e.g., using checklists); performing functional tests on control panel;putting zone of electrical power system into service per switchingorders; and updating redlines.

Example 51. A control panel for operation of an electrical power system,comprising: a control panel frame including a front support and a backsupport; and a set of modules selected from a plurality of pre-definedmodules, each module of the plurality of modules discretely wired andself-contained to independently perform an electrical functionpertaining to operation of an electrical power system, each moduleincluding: components to perform the electrical function; a mechanicalarrangement of the components to facilitate human interaction, use, andindependent manufacture and testing of the module; electricalconnections, including connections between the components andconnections comprising points of interface with other modules and otherequipment of the power system; and defined logical interactions,including logical connections between the components to perform theelectrical function and logical interfaces with other modules or otherequipment of the power system, wherein each module is mounted in thecontrol panel frame after being independently assembled.

Example 52. The control panel of Example 51, wherein the front supportof the control panel frame is configured to receive a module face plate,and wherein each module of the set of modules comprises a faceplate tobe mounted to the front support and to support and present componentsintended for human interaction.

Example 53. The control panel of Example 51, wherein the components of afirst module include an interface device to connect to an interfacedevice of a second module (e.g., via wiring) and through whichcommunication occurs between the first module and the second module.

Example 54. The control panel of Example 51, wherein at least one of themodules includes components with configurable settings that areconfigured according to specifications of an installation site of thecontrol panel.

Example 55. The control panel of Example 51, wherein the control panelis to address an application in operating the electrical power system.

Example 56. The control panel of Example 55, wherein the application inoperating the electrical power system comprises one of: line protection,control, and monitoring; transformer protection, control and monitoring;bus protection, control and monitoring; feeder protection, control andmonitoring; and capacitor bank protection, control and monitoring.

Example 57. The control panel of Example 55, wherein the applicationcomprises a plurality of functions pertaining to operation of theelectrical power system each performed by a module.

Example 58. The control panel of Example 51, wherein each module of theplurality of modules is configured for compatibility with every othermodule of the plurality of modules.

Example 59. The control panel of Example 51, wherein each module of theset of modules is pre-defined (e.g., prior to assembly of the controlpanel) by a module definition that includes data specifying thecomponents to perform the electrical function, a mechanical arrangementof the components, the electrical connections, and the logicalinteraction of the components to perform the electrical function,wherein each module is designed to be discretely functional andindependently wired, tested, and installed in a control panel.

Example 60. The control panel of Example 51, further comprising one ormore wiring harnesses creating one or more of the electrical connectionsbetween the components.

Example 61. The control panel of Example 60, wherein the one or morewiring harnesses further create electrical connections at the points ofinterface with other modules and other equipment of the power system.

Example 62. The control panel of Example 51, wherein the control panelframe has dimensions according to a predetermined standard size.

Example 63. The control panel of Example 51, further comprising one ormore cross braces extending between the front support and the backsupport, the one or more cross braces to delineate between differentmodules of the set of modules.

Example 64. The control panel of Example 63, wherein each module of theset of modules further comprises one or more DIN rails extending betweentwo cross braces, each of the one or more DIN rails configured to havemounted thereto components of the module.

Example 65. The control panel of Example 51, wherein the functionpertaining to operation of the electrical power system is one ofdistance protection, overcurrent protection, transformer differentialprotection, differential protection, voltage protection, voltagecontrol, frequency control, breaker control, peak metering, demandmetering, revenue metering, and power quality metering.

Example 66. The control panel of Example 51, wherein the functionpertaining to operation of the electrical power system is one ofdistance protection, overcurrent protection, transformer differentialprotection, differential protection, voltage protection, voltagecontrol, frequency control, breaker control, peak metering, demandmetering, revenue metering, and power quality metering.

While specific embodiments and applications of the disclosure have beenillustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosure isnot limited to the precise configurations and components disclosedherein. Accordingly, many changes may be made to the details of theabove-described embodiments without departing from the underlyingprinciples of this disclosure. Those having skill in the art willrecognize that many changes may be made to the details of theabove-described embodiments without departing from the underlyingprinciples of the invention. The scope of the present invention should,therefore, be determined only by the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A module assembly station for supporting amodule of a control panel during assembly of the module, comprising: anassembly surface providing a horizontal work surface; a lift coupled tothe assembly surface and configured to adjust a height of the horizontalwork surface; a faceplate frame disposed on the horizontal work surface,the faceplate frame configured to accept and support a faceplate of themodule for ease of viewing and access by a user during wiring andassembly of components to the faceplate, the faceplate frame includingmounting features to which the faceplate of the module is to be mounted;a first side frame pivotably coupled to a first lateral side of thefaceplate frame and rotatable between a narrow position and an openposition, the first side frame extending rearward from the faceplateframe in the narrow position and the open position to provideaccessibility to the user during assembly, the first side frameincluding mounting features for temporarily mounting a first cross braceof the module that supports components of the module during wiring andassembly of components to the first cross brace and after permanentmounting of the first cross brace during installation of the module intothe control panel; and a second side frame coupled to the faceplateframe at a second lateral side that is opposite the first lateral sideof the faceplate frame and the first side frame, the second side frameextending rearward from the faceplate frame to provide accessibility tothe user during assembly, the second side frame including mountingfeatures for temporarily mounting a second cross brace of the modulethat supports components of the module during wiring and assembly ofcomponents to the second cross brace and after permanent mounting of thesecond cross brace during installation of the module into the controlpanel.
 2. The module assembly station of claim 1, further comprising acart on which the lift is disposed, the cart comprising wheels andproviding mobility of the module assembly station.
 3. The moduleassembly station of claim 1, wherein the first side frame in the narrowposition is perpendicular to the faceplate frame and in the openposition is at an angle greater than 90 degrees for the faceplateextending laterally outward.
 4. The module assembly station of claim 1,wherein the second side frame is pivotably coupled to the faceplateframe and rotatable between a narrow position and an open positionextending away from the first side frame.
 5. The module assembly stationof claim 4, wherein the second side frame in the narrow position isperpendicular to the faceplate frame and in the open position is at anangle greater than 90 degrees to the faceplate.
 6. The module assemblystation of claim 1, wherein the faceplate frame is pivotably coupled tothe horizontal work surface and rotatable between an upright positionoriented perpendicular to the horizontal work surface and a reclinedposition extending forward and upward from the horizontal work surface.7. The module assembly station of claim 1, wherein the faceplate frameis rectangular.
 8. The module assembly station of claim 1, wherein thefirst side frame and second side frame are rectangular.